2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after college football season

Drew Lock is the player who benefits most from Justin Herbert’s decision to return to Oregon for his senior season. There are too many QB-needy teams right now for only one signal-caller to go in the first round, so Lock gets a significant bump as he currently looks like the No. 2 QB behind Dwayne Haskins.

I’m still not sold on Lock’s viability as a starting QB in the NFL, but teams often reach for the position with guys who have flashed at least some potential. Lock has the prototypical NFL size and accuracy that will likely land him in the first round.

Washington unexpectedly finds themselves in need of a QB this offseason after Alex Smith’s gruesome leg injury against the Texans in November. His football future is in serious doubt as a result, with Smith turning 35 before the start of next season and a lengthy rehab awaiting him.

Washington invested a significant amount of money into Smith last offseason after acquiring him from Kansas City. It would be a big stretch to expect him to be able to play next season at all, and in the very least he’s unlikely to be ready by the beginning of the season. His injury puts the ‘Skins in a precarious position, with no QB on the roster showing promise of being a viable option at the position.

Before Smith’s injury, Washington led the NFC East with a 6-3 record. They went 1-5 post-injury, trotting out numerous different quarterbacks, including the much-maligned Mark Sanchez. They’re in a tough spot, with a roster ready to compete if they can find the right option under-center. They can’t release Smith because it would cost them $42 million in dead cap, and his contract ties them up too much for them to be able to pay the price a guy like Nick Foles or Joe Flacco will command on the open market.

Lock would benefit from sitting and learning for a year or two, but Washington might not have the luxury of waiting. It would be a tough ask to bring Lock in as a rookie starter, but the ‘Skins might be forced to make a desperate move as they look to make the playoffs in 2019.